Chapter 5 4th December - The day they stop pretending it's just texting
Grace woke with a headache and Luke’s photo still open on her phone. The sight of it made her smile despite the dull throb behind her eyes.
At least I don’t have work today. I can hide under the covers and reread his messages. I’m pathetic. What if I was too forward? Did I sound desperate talking about my job?
Before she could spiral, Sooty hopped onto the bed and rubbed his soft fur against her feet, purring loudly. This cat always knew when she needed grounding.
Groaning, she dragged herself to the kitchen, fed Sooty, and reheated last night’s pizza. Her tiny flat was small but cosy, familiar and hers. She opened her laptop to start job hunting when her phone pinged. Her heart leapt.
Lilith or Luke?
It was Lilith. A voice note.
From Lilith:
Sorry about your job, babes, but you're better than them. Did Luke say anything? Don't pretend you didn't message him. I might stalk him on social media. Thoughts? I'll be round after work — my work, not yours. You don't have a job! I'll bring snacks and wine. Love ya!
To Lilith:
Not wine. Hungover. Not confirming or denying anything. Bring chocolate.
She’d barely reopened her laptop when her phone pinged again. Expecting Lilith, she wasn’t prepared for the message.
From Luke:
Morning beautiful. I hope today is better than yesterday and you aren't too hungover.
Her stomach flipped violently.
To Luke:
Morning handsome. My head's a bit sore but I'll live. I've told Lilith no wine tonight. Starting the day with a message from you helps. Hope you find a secretary — maybe I'll find a job too.
--
Luke woke from a night full of dreams about Grace — vivid ones, all centred around her tiny hand holding a wine glass. Some dreams had been… very vivid. A cold shower was essential.
Coffeed up, he set up his office for the 10am interview, but his mind drifted back to Grace.
I could message her… no, too much. Play it cool.
A stifled laugh behind him made him jump. Tommy leaned against the doorframe, smirking.
“You’re so gone. You stopped mid‑chair‑drag with the goofiest smile. Just message her.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Luke snapped — too fast, too defensive. Tommy’s grin widened.
“Don’t fuck it up.”
Luke sighed, finished setting up, and realised he’d have to fetch water jugs himself until he hired someone new.
Message Grace. Then water jugs. Then work.
He sent the message. Her reply came almost instantly, and he smiled before he could stop himself. Another buzz.
From Tommy:
Shit. Eating. Grin. Just meet her, sleep with her, marry her. Whatever it takes so you stop being soppy.
Luke flipped him off through the glass wall and tried to focus — he couldn’t.
--
After messaging Luke, Grace opened her laptop and began applying for jobs. Hours passed. She’d only applied for two — everything else required experience she didn’t have or paid too little to survive.
Stay positive. There’ll be something. I won’t be a burden to anyone.
But the defeated feeling lingered. Another apply button clicked in the silence of her flat. She considered asking Luke about his interview process, then dismissed it.
To Luke:
I hope your interview was a success and that you've eaten lunch, boss man.
Light. Playful. Not a burden.
--
Luke welcomed the candidate into his office.
“Welcome, Martin. Take a seat. This is Tommy Hale, CFO.”
He should have known the sunglasses indoors were a bad sign. But nothing prepared him for the disaster that followed. The man couldn’t sit still — pacing, touching everything, rearranging items on Luke’s desk. Then came the wink and nudge.
“Mind if I smoke at my desk?”
Tommy lost it. “Are you high, Luke?”
“Yeah, man. Of course. I was nervous and couldn’t remember half the shit on my CV, so I had a little pick‑me‑up.”
Luke gaped at him. He just wanted someone competent, but this felt like a sitcom. Once the man was sent on his way, Luke’s thoughts shifted, once again to Grace. He needed someone trustworthy. Someone like her.
There. He’d thought it. He couldn’t take it back.
He checked his phone and saw the message from her. He replied quickly.
To Grace:
Thank you for caring. I just finished the worst interview in history and I'm grabbing lunch. What did you have?
Tommy appeared again, grinning.
“You should just ask her out. Who even is she?”
Luke cracked.
“All I know is her name is Grace, she’s been made redundant, she’s sweet and kind and caring and maybe drinks as much as me.”
Tommy clapped him on the shoulder. “Lunch. Now. We’re making a plan.”
Luke had never been more grateful for him.
--
By 6pm, Grace was ready to explode. She hadn’t replied to Luke since lunchtime — too anxious, too overwhelmed. When Lilith arrived, she nearly cried with relief.
“Drink, eat, spill,” Lilith ordered, handing her flavoured water and chocolate.
Grace did. She cried about her job, panicked about Luke, cried again. Lilith hummed and nodded, letting her vent. Finally, Lilith spoke.
“You’re smitten. Don’t pretend you’re not. If he’s hiring a secretary, he’s clearly a boss and can hire whoever he wants — including someone he wants to shag. He obviously adores you. But you’re a pint‑sized pocket rocket with a heart of gold so who doesn't? Acknowledge the connection. Now I need to go home before my fish think I’m dead. Keep me posted.”
And with that, Lilith was gone.
Am I smitten? If Lilith sees a connection, maybe I haven’t imagined it. Pull up your big girl pants, Grace.
To Luke:
Sorry for the late reply. I had a boring ham and cheese toastie for lunch. I'm sorry your interview was a bust. How was the rest of your day?
From Luke:
I got through most of my to‑do list but kept thinking of you. How are you really doing about your job? How did the search go?
To Luke:
Honestly? Awful. I'm underqualified or the pay won't keep a roof over my head. I'm sending my CV everywhere but I'm scared. My severance won't last forever.
From Luke:
I always want you to be honest with me. Job hunting is hell, but you're strong. You'll get through this. And I'll be right here cheering you on.
To Luke:
You've made me ugly cry. Thank you for being there.
From Luke:
Dry those tears and smile for me, Grace. You deserve to smile.
To Luke:
I am smiling, thanks to you.
She sent a photo before she could stop herself — her real face, in her tiny flat, her hands shaking.
Shitty shit. And now he wasn’t replying. She really was hideous.
Finally—
From Luke:
I was right. You're beautiful. Now get some sleep — that's an order from the bossy boss man.
He sent a photo back. He was gorgeous.
To Luke:
I was right too. You're handsome. Night.
From Luke:
Night, my beautiful girl.
Both felt it — the flirting, the shift. They were no longer texting a stranger, they were texting someone who mattered.
Shit.
